Senior Flight Software Engineer I - Secret Clearance Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and subsystems for missions ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security. The Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions and built components for the Moon and Mars, working with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
The Role
As a Senior Flight Software Engineer I, you will develop flight software for Rocket Lab's Space Systems programs based in Long Beach, CA. Your software will run on orbit within weeks and months, not years, thanks to Rocket Lab's own rockets and launch sites. You will own all aspects of software design and development from requirements through coding, testing, and on-orbit operations.
What You'll Do
- Develop application software for Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and embedded Linux
- Write hardware drivers for Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Star Trackers, Reaction Wheels, and other spacecraft sensors and actuators
- Develop and maintain comprehensive unit tests within a Continuous Integration framework
- Collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify and validate combined software and hardware functionality
- Work with systems engineers and embedded systems engineers on requirements development, documentation, and validation
- Review source code changes and ensure compliance with company coding standards
- Participate in design reviews including PDR and CDR
- Assist with on-orbit and interplanetary flight operations
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent technical discipline
- Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI
- 5 or more years of demonstrated applicable experience in embedded software development
- Proficiency in C and C++ languages
- Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or embedded Linux
- U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- Active TS/SCI security clearance
- Advanced degree
- Experience with Rust
- Experience developing software and drivers with CAN/CAN-FD and/or UDP/TCP in embedded systems
- Experience developing software for autonomous vehicles operating in harsh environments such as satellites
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary range (CA only): $132,000 to $198,000 USD. Compensation includes company stock, Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero-cost HDHP with HSA), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, and employee discounts.
Salary is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Working Conditions
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Export Control and Security
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR, you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce.